Melanella cifara
| Melanella cifara | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Shell of Melanella cifara (holotype) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Caenogastropoda |
| Order: | Littorinimorpha |
| Family: | Eulimidae |
| Genus: | Melanella |
| Species: | M. cifara |
| Binomial name | |
| Melanella cifara Bartsch, 1915 | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Melanella cifara is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Eulimidae. The species is one of many species known to exist within the genus, Melanella.[1]
Description
The length of the shell attains 2.1 mm, its diameter 0.6 mm.
(Original description) The minute shell is acicular, and semitranslucent, with a flesh-coloured ground marked by brown variegation. The two whorls in the protoconch are well rounded, translucent, and pale brown. The postnuclear whorls are very slightly rounded and almost transparent. They are variegated with translucent, pale-brown areas and opaque, flesh-coloured spots; they are appressed at the summit, polished, and apparently lack varices or other varicial markings. The suture is scarcely discernible. The inner posterior termination of each whorl is visible through the substance of the shell, giving the impression of a second suture. The periphery is well rounded, and the base is attenuated and evenly rounded.
The aperture is elongate-oval, with an acute posterior angle. The outer lip projects forward medially, forming a claw-like element. The inner lip is almost straight and oblique, and is reflected over and appressed to the body whorl throughout its entire length. The parietal wall is covered by a moderately thick, glazed callus. [2]
Distribution
This marine species occurs off Port Alfred, South Africa.
References
- ↑ Melanella cifaraBartsch, 1915. 18 August 2026. Retrieved through: World Register of Marine Species.
- ↑ Bartsch, P. (1915). "Report on the Turton Collection of South African marine mollusks, with additional notes on other South African shells contained in the United States National Museum". Bulletin. United States National Museum. 91: 69. Retrieved 18 August 2026.
This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
- Turton, W. H. (1932). The marine shells of Port Alfred S. Africa. Humphrey Milford, London. pp. i-xvi, 1-331, pls 1-70.